Broke MP Craig Thomson to hold $150-a-head fundraiser

BROKE independent MP Craig Thomson is inviting supporters to a $150-a-head fundraiser for his election campaign to help pay rising legal costs.

He is stressing to potential donors, however, that he will not directly pocket the proceeds.

"The purpose of this letter is to invite you and your associates to a fundraiser to help pay for my legal expenses," wrote the former Labor MP who is facing court action over his performance as national secretary of the Health Services Union.

"Your support would be greatly appreciated and I commit to passing on any unspent monies to charity.

"All spending on my defence will be disclosed to donors and the balance of the account will be made public."

The event at 80 Proof in Sydney on July 4 - American Independence Day - is an indication that Mr Thomson's legal bills have taken a toll on his political ambitions.

Mr Thomson said the money donated would go to an account he created to fund his defence.

"This account was established by two Bathurst individuals, one of whom is a solicitor," Mr Thomson wrote.

"Both believe that I should have the means to the basic right to defend myself."

Mr Thomson said he strenuously denied accusation of "inappropriate activities".

"My pursuit of justice has left me with some considerable legal bills and if I am to commit to serving the people of Dobell for another term in the federal Parliament, I need to ask for your support," he said.

The independent MP appealed to his voters by claiming credit for more than $700 million worth of federal investment in Dobell. The list included $450 million spent on the F3 to M2 interconnection, and $80 million on a water pipeline.

"But now I am fighting a huge underground coal mine which threatens the integrity of our water catchment and puts at risk the health of our residents because of coal dust," he wrote in the letter.